maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz How to pronounce maximum (audio)
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
3
: the largest of a set of numbers
specifically : the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval
maximum adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Spring, the most inspiring of the seasons The effect is at its maximum in late June and late December. Forrest Brown, CNN, 20 Mar. 2023 His one-year deal has a base value of $5 million with $4.15 million fully guaranteed, plus $4 million in playing-time incentives for a maximum of $9 million. Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Mar. 2023 Just five states grant residents $100 or more each month, including Alaska, which stands alone in offering $200 monthly, the maximum under federal law. Matt Sedensky, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Mar. 2023 Just five states grant residents $100 or more each month, including Alaska, which stands alone in offering $200 monthly, the maximum under federal law. Matt Sedensky, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2023 For 2021, up to 70% of those expenses up to $10,000 could be claimed for a maximum of $7,000 per employee. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 11 Mar. 2023 Here, that lusty mill is tuned for more bottom-end torque (80 percent of its 528-pound-feet maximum is available at 2100 rpm) but still good for an 8000-rpm redline. Ezra Dyer, Car and Driver, 7 Mar. 2023 In digital payments, for example, e-wallets still only accounted for a maximum of 7% of payments in the region (as of 2020). Jakob Rost, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023 The car, beautifully kitted out with lots of rattan, light wood, and a sleek marble bar, has seating for a maximum of 12 passengers across six private rooms, each with two spacious seats. Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'maximum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of maximum was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near maximum

Cite this Entry

“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kids Definition

maximum

noun
max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima -sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums
1
: the highest quantity, value, or development
2
: an upper limit allowed
maximum adjective

Medical Definition

maximum

noun
max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima -sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
maximum adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on maximum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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